Auction houses employ a meticulous process to determine the reserve price for rare porcelain sculptures, ensuring both seller confidence and buyer interest. The reserve price, or the minimum acceptable bid, is influenced by several key factors.

First, expert appraisers assess the sculpture’s condition, age, and provenance. Pieces with documented histories or ties to renowned artists or dynasties command higher reserves. Second, market trends play a crucial role. Auction houses analyze recent sales of comparable items to gauge demand and pricing. Third, rarity and artistic significance are weighed—unique designs or limited-edition pieces often justify higher reserves.

Additionally, auction houses consider the seller’s expectations and the target audience. Private collectors or museums may drive up reserves for culturally significant pieces. Finally, economic conditions and global art market fluctuations can adjust pricing strategies.

By balancing these elements, auction houses set reserve prices that reflect the porcelain sculpture’s true value while attracting competitive bidding.